Gives individuals their own voice and allows them to assert their own needs and desires

Identification of additional sources of funding

Identifying when a certain group of people need extra funding

Joint planning and funding to ensure an effective integration of services

To ensure better coverage and increased efficiency

Provide transport/volunteer drivers

To help people to get to services from rural locations or for people on low incomes

Leaflets/information in a range of languages

So that everyone can access the information

Outreach services avaliable

Services provided to those who may not have access to those services (eg. Muslim women)

Types of barriers

Physical barriers

affect people with mobility issues when the existing premises and facilities have been designed under the assumption that everyone who uses the service is able-bodied

Psychological barriers

individuals may be unwilling to visit their GP because they are frightened of the diagnosis they may receive, or the perceived stigma attached to the illness - people with mental health issues may not realise that they need to access a particular service

Financial barriers

individuals on low incomes may be discouraged from accessing services because of the cost, and may be unaware of the benefits that they may be entitled to - financial barriers may also arise because of a lack of funding to ensure the level of provision matches the demand

Geographical barriers

people who use services in rural areas have difficulty in accessing specialist services and there may be insufficient outreach provision or public transport may be limited - access to services may also be affected by the "postcode lottery" meaning that depending on regional differences, the level of services available depends on where the candidates live.

Cultural or language barriers

some people who use services may experience social exclusion because of the service providers not understanding or accounting for the cultural differences that exist - services users who have English as their second language could find it difficult filling out a form or communicating with practitioners.

Definition of self-advocacy

An individuals ability to effectively communicate, convey, negotiate o assert his or her own needs, interests, desires and rights/choices